This year’s Balmoral Show at Belfast’s Kings Hall is just around the corner and once again the Northern Ireland Assembly will be there to meet and engage with local people on all things agricultural! With the Agriculture and agri-food sector providing over 20% of all private sector employment in Northern Ireland, MLAs are keen to get to focus on the key rural issues.  

Over the course of the 2 days (16-17 May 2012) the Assembly Committees for Agriculture, the Environment and the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister will hold meetings to discuss topics as far ranging as the impact of national parks in Northern Ireland, EU priorities and the work of local government in Europe. There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved and everyone is welcome to attend.

On Wednesday 16 May the Assembly will be hold a roadshow where Balmoral Show visitors can put their questions directly to a panel of MLAs from all parties. Hosted by local political journalist and commentator Eamonn Mallie, this event will provide a platform for local people to discuss the issues that matter to them and to help inform MLAs on the impact of current and future policy decisions on the rural community. 

The Assembly Marquee and stand will have an open door policy to all who would like to stop by and learn a little more about local politics, how the Assembly works or to engage directly with the MLAs on the issues that matter to them.

Check out our Balmoral Show leaflet which provides more information on what the Committees will be discussing and timings. You can also keep up to date with all the news from the show by following on us on Facebook and Twitter.